The Community Assistance Corporation (CAC), South River EMC’s non-profit organization, recently awarded $67,885 in grants to local non-profit organizations and educational programs through Operation Round Up this funding cycle.

The following non-profit organizations received grants for $5,000: Special Olympics Harnett County; Vann Crossroads Volunteer Fire Dept. Inc.; Westarea Volunteer Fire Department; Herring Volunteer Fire Dept.; Better Health of Cumberland County, Inc.

Receiving grants of $2,500 were the following non-profits: Boys Club of Wake Co. Inc. DBA Boys & Girls Club of Johnston Co. and Sampson County Breast and Cervical Cancer Advisory Board. Also receiving grants were Spivey’s Corner Volunteer Fire Dept., $4,567, and Clement Volunteer Fire Dept. Inc., $4,956.

The following educational institutions also received grants: Stedman Primary School, $3,362; South River EMC Bright Ideas Grant Program, $10,000; Midway Elementary School, Sampson County Schools, $10,000.

Additionally, Habitat for Humanity of Harnett County received a pledge for $5,000.

“As our communities continue to navigate challenging economic times, Operation Round Up is providing support to essential organizations,” said VP of Member Services & PR Catherine O’Dell. “Together, we are building a brighter future for our community.”

Operation Round Up is a voluntary program that enables members of South River EMC to round up their electric bill to the next whole dollar. For example, if a bill is $208.23, the bill rounds up to $209 and the extra 77¢ is deposited into the Community Assistance Corporation fund.

The amount donated through Operation Round Up every month amounts to no more than $6 a year, that small change added to others’ contributions makes big changes in the community.

South River EMC accepts and reviews applications on a quarterly basis. The next deadline for applications is Nov. 14 by 5 p.m. Applications, including guidelines, can be found online at sremc.com. Please note, handwritten applications are not accepted, and an online application is required.

South River EMC is a locally owned and operated electric cooperative, which provides electric service to 48,000 homes, farms and businesses in parts of Harnett, Cumberland, Sampson, Johnston and Bladen counties.